Many Dead As Libyan Security Forces Clash

Clashes erupted between rival security factions in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, with reports of several killed.

This comes amid growing concern that a political standoff could prompt renewed conflict.

Aljazeera added the clashes occurred on Friday in the central district near the Radisson Blu hotel, an area where several government and international agencies and diplomatic missions are based.

The Libyan military’s 444 Brigade intervened to stop the fighting and took up positions in several areas where the clashes took place.

A Presidential Council statement called on both sides to cease hostilities, adding that government and military prosecutors will conduct investigations.

Osama Ali, a spokesman for Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Services, said on Friday that casualty figures could rise as reports come in from other hospitals in the area.

Last month, clashes between 2 militias aligned with rival prime ministers vying for power occurred, injuring several people.

The situation worsened since the House of Representatives appointed a new government led by former interior minister Fathi Bashagha.

This resulted in Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, who is backed by the UN insisting he will only leave his position to a government that comes through an elected parliament.